GUIDE FOR
Poland has become an appealing destination for expats, students, and professionals looking for an affordable yet high-quality life in Central Europe. With its charming medieval cities, vibrant cultural scene, and growing economy, Poland offers a unique blend of history and modern living. Whether you're drawn to the cobblestone streets of Kraków, the dynamic energy of Warsaw, or the coastal charm of Gdańsk, Poland provides a welcoming environment for newcomers.
This guide gives you a concise overview of Poland its geography, culture, work life, language basics, and essential tips to help you settle in smoothly.
A Glimpse into Poland
Geography and climate
Situated in Central Europe, Poland shares borders with Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and the Baltic Sea. Its geography is diverse: sandy coastlines along the north, rolling lowlands across the centre, and the scenic Tatra Mountains in the south.
Poland experiences four distinct seasons:
Spring – mild, blooming, and refreshing.
Summer – warm and sunny, with temperatures reaching 25–30°C.
Autumn – colourful, crisp, and cool.
Winter – cold, often snowy, especially in the mountains.
If you enjoy seasonal changes, Poland delivers them in full.
A snapshot of history
Poland carries a long, complex, and resilient history. Once a powerful kingdom in the Middle Ages, the country later endured partitions and disappeared from the map for over 100 years. In the 20th century, Poland faced tragedy during World War II, with many battles fought on its soil and cities heavily damaged.
After decades under communist rule, Poland regained full democracy in 1989. Since then, it has developed rapidly, joining the European Union in 2004 and becoming one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies. Today, its cities blend beautifully restored historic centres with modern infrastructure, telling the story of a nation that values both memory and progress.
Diving into Polish culture
Polish culture is warm, family-oriented, and deeply rooted in tradition. While Poles may seem reserved initially, they are incredibly kind, loyal, and welcoming once you get to know them.
Food and drink
Polish cuisine is hearty, comforting, and perfect for cold winters. Popular dishes include pierogi (dumplings), żurek (sour rye soup), bigos (hunter’s stew), kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlet), and delicious pastries like pączki. Coffee culture is widespread, and in major cities you’ll find countless modern cafés and bakeries.
Festivals
Poland celebrates many cultural traditions:
Wianki – summer solstice festivities
Dożynki – harvest festivals
All Saints’ Day – honouring loved ones with candlelit cemeteries
Christmas and Easter – celebrated with rich customs and family gatherings
Lifestyle
Life in Poland strikes a balance between calm and activity. Cities offer vibrant nightlife, museums, theatres, and parks, while countryside areas offer peaceful lakes, forests, and outdoor adventures. Poles value family time, community, and maintaining long-term friendships.
Working in Poland
Poland’s economy has grown steadily over the past two decades, attracting international companies and foreign talent. Key industries include IT, manufacturing, business services, finance, and logistics. Cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań have become thriving business hubs.
Polish work culture emphasizes reliability, professionalism, and clear communication. Punctuality is taken seriously, and teamwork is highly valued. While the workday can be structured, companies increasingly focus on flexibility and work-life balance.
For digital nomads, major cities offer coworking spaces, strong internet connections, and affordable living costs compared to Western Europe.
Polski made simple
Polish is the official language, and learning even a little will significantly improve your daily life. While many young Poles and professionals speak good English, using basic Polish phrases is greatly appreciated.
Here are some useful phrases:
English | Polish |
|---|---|
Hello | Cześć / Dzień dobry |
Goodbye | Do widzenia |
Thank you | Dziękuję |
Please | Proszę |
How are you? | Jak się masz? |
I don’t understand | Nie rozumiem |
Where is the nearest…? | Gdzie jest najbliższy/a/e…? |
Can you help me? | Czy możesz mi pomóc? |
How much does this cost? | Ile to kosztuje? |
Do you speak English? | Czy mówisz po angielsku? |
Polish can be challenging, but locals will admire your effort—even small attempts make a big difference.
Tips for a smooth transition
Moving to Poland is an exciting step. Here are some helpful suggestions to make your relocation easier:
Check your visa requirements
EU/EEA citizens can move freely, while non-EU nationals may need a visa or residence permit. Start the paperwork early, as processing can take time.
Plan your accommodation
Renting is common in cities, and platforms such as Otodom or OLX are popular for finding apartments. Be prepared for deposits and sometimes agency fees.
Learn about the healthcare system
Poland has both public (NFZ) and private healthcare. Many expats choose private insurance for faster access to specialists.
Prepare for the weather
Winters can be cold, so warm clothing is essential. Summers, however, are lovely and perfect for travel.
Understand local customs
Poles value politeness, respecting queues, and removing shoes when visiting someone’s home.
Explore the country
From the Tatra Mountains and Masurian Lakes to medieval castles and historic towns, Poland offers endless places to discover.
Final thoughts
Poland is a country full of charm, resilience, and opportunity. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, adventure, or a fresh start, you’ll find a place where tradition meets modernity and where community and culture are cherished. Enjoy the landscapes, savour the cuisine, and embrace the friendly spirit that makes Poland so unique.
Witamy w Polsce!
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